Characteristics of velor for furniture upholstery

11.10.2018

Velor, with its plush texture and shine, is a very glamorous and luxurious furniture fabric. For a long time of its existence, starting with China, where velvet was first produced more than 4,500 years ago, ending Italy in the 14th and 15th centuries, only very rich people could afford velor furniture. Fortunately, today velor, as before, remains a premium class upholstery, but the use of innovative technologies made it possible to make this furniture fabric affordable for any wallet.


Why was velor so expensive that it became an indicator of the wealth of all nobles, aristocrats and the royal government of the Renaissance? It's all about the complexity of production. Unlike cotton and silk, velor is not a fiber, but rather a weaving method. In the days when weaving was a handicraft, the whole process was extremely difficult (and, until now, it remains very laborious!).

Pile and its direction: the secrets of velor

"Pile" refers to fibers that protrude from the upholstery substrate. It is he who gives velvet a characteristic soft, plush surface. "The direction of the pile" describes how these fibers lie. Not all furniture velors have a focus, but those that still have it, will reflect light differently, depending on the direction of the pile. This explains why velvet can look lighter or darker when you pass your hand over it, changing the direction of the nap. It is this characteristic that emphasizes the shape of the furniture and makes it visually appealing.


Velor as upholstery for upholstered furniture

Why is velor so popular as upholstery for upholstered furniture? Of course, it is a merit of appearance and tactile properties. Soft and comfortable, it feels as good as it looks. Velvet stands out from other furniture fabrics, giving depth and clarity to the forms of furniture. And if we talk about color, then he has no equal. Velor, like no other upholstery fabric, does not reveal the intensity and intensity of colors. Blue velor will have a much deeper tone than similarly dyed cotton or linen.


Quality and durability

To determine the quality of velor upholstery, pay attention to the density of the substrate and the pile (the thickness of the yarn and the location of the fibers). By bending the sample diagonally, you can see how tightly the fabric is woven. If the substrate is easily visible and there are visible rows of pile fibers, this fabric is not of sufficient quality. Also, pay attention to the back of the fabric and make sure that it is tightly woven.

Then look at the wear resistance. Usually, to describe this indicator, Martindale test is used. It is measured in the number of friction cycles before the furniture fabric begins to deform. Most velors for upholstering upholstered furniture get high rates, some of them can go up to 100,000 cycles, although for the production of upholstered furniture it is enough to use a fabric with a figure above 15,000 cycles.


Nevertheless, even a very durable furniture velvet can be branded during normal use. The tendency of velor to "wear off" is not a defect, so do not be surprised when this happens. Some people even think that velor is only improving over the years and they appreciate the old look of the new furniture.

Types of furniture velor

Velor can be made from natural fibers, cellulose, synthetic materials, or from their combinations. Here are some of the most common types:

  1. Silk velor - one of the most luxurious types of fabrics. It is soft and smooth to the touch and so brilliant that it seems to be wet. Such velor is best suited for furniture that will not be used often or be in the sun.
  2. Linen velor has a matte, "dry" look and beautifully painted, which leads to a deep rich color. Linen velvet often has an uneven pile, because flax threads have different thicknesses. This velor is popular in warmer climates, as it is breathable and cool to the touch.
  3. Cotton velor is easily torn, so it is often mixed with other fibers, such as polyester, to increase its elasticity. Usually, it has a matte finish, but if it is mixed with viscose, it adds shine and strength to it.
  4. Wool velor is durable and elastic, but it is very dense - it is fine in winter, but not so cool in summer.
  5. Mohair velor, made from the wool of Angora goats, is extremely durable, resistant to dirt and tears. If furniture will be used frequently, mohair is the gold standard. This velvet is very thick and has less gloss.
  6. Cellulose velor products made from plants or wood pulp are soft and have a deep shine. Such material is popular with supporters of the Greenpeace ideology.
  7. Synthetic velors, for example, made of high quality polyester, more wear-resistant. They have good color fastness, but do not have the same color depth as natural fabrics.

Mixing synthetic and natural fibers is the best option today.


Cut velor is not fiber; it is rather a fabric that has a cut out pattern. This pattern can be of any design: from traditional floral to more modern geometric elements.


The substrate and the pile are often made from different fibers. Thus, the base can be made as strong as possible, while the pile will have the advantages of another fiber. When you choose velor for furniture in the cabin, carefully look at the composition. Usually, the fiber is first specified for the manufacture of the pile, and the second - the substrate.

Care for velor furniture

There is a popular opinion that it is difficult to care for furniture velor. Even if in reality it takes some effort, then it is worth it.

Most of all before buying velor furniture pet owners are worried, who are sure that velvet is a magnet for wool. This fact cannot be denied, but all wool can be easily removed with a soft brush.


If you want velor upholstered furniture, but pet hair is a serious problem, look at the fabric in a color that is similar to your dog or cat. It should be noted, another interesting fact related to pets: it is much more difficult for cats to hook their velor upholstery with claws than a fabric with an obvious interweaving, for example, cotton.

In order to maintain velor furniture in its original form, you should follow a few simple rules:

  • Turn the pillows regularly to prevent scuffing in one place.
  • Maximally fill pillows that they were dense and did not form zalomov.
  • Clean your furniture with a soft brush or clothes roller to keep wool, hair, and dust at least once a week in the direction of the nap.
  • Do not let anything lie on the furniture for a long time, as it may remain a trace.
  • You can resort to the services of professional cleaning services. There are companies that are engaged in cleaning upholstery, including specializing in expensive and intricate fabrics, such as velvet.

Cleaning the sofa with velor upholstery

Cleaning any upholstery will be successful if you follow the manufacturer's recommendations. First you should find out the recommended cleaning methods, for this consult with the seller in the cabin when buying furniture. Most velours, especially those made from natural fibers, are recommended to be cleaned with special solvents, should be cleaned only with a special solvent, and water-based products should be avoided.

Important: Before use, check the cleaner in an inconspicuous place.

Before cleaning, remove the crumbs and animal hair using a special brush or vacuum cleaner, always clean in the direction of the pile.

After cleaning, allow the upholstered furniture to dry completely before changing pillows or sitting on it. At the end, use a soft brush to walk along the sofa in the direction of the nap to restore the original appearance of the furniture fabric and soften it.

If you spilled something on velor sofas, then the first step is to try to get rid of the liquid so that it does not have time to soak. Then blot the wet surface with a clean white cloth, starting from the edges of the wet spot toward the center, so as not to blur the edges. Do not rub or press - you just twist the pile.

If stain remains, review the manufacturer's instructions and use the recommended type of cleaning solvent.

If you are afraid of spoiling the furniture, it is better to call a special cleaning service that specializes in velvet and other unique furniture fabrics.


Velor and design

Velor looks good on almost any piece of furniture. If you want to create a more formal or traditional space, a velor sofa will be the best solution. The velvet chair brings luxury and contrasts well with other, more casual pieces of furniture.


At the same time, velor for modern models of furniture looks even more stylish and interesting.

If you are not afraid of possible difficulties in the care and you still want yourself furniture with velor upholstery, then go to our catalog and choose the appropriate fabric for you.

Enjoy the shopping!





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